Kendrick Green, CPCA–The Georgia native was a revelation as a facilitator and scorer in his senior year at Central Pointe Christian Academy.
A stabilizing force at point guard while playing alongside Ilinois-bound 6-foot-7 wing R.J. Melendez, Green had several noteworthy performances. In addition to multiple games of double digit assists and one game of nine assists to one turnover, he authored a 25-point performance against West Oaks and timely scoring.
Green also bought into the culture at CPCA, dropping 50 pounds and transforming his body altogether. He’s a heady point guard with poise and the savvy that comes with helping lead a team to The Grind Session World Championships.
Kyliann Gousett, CPCA–The jumbo, 6-foot-9 and 250-pound behemoth capitalized on some of the upside he showed when he arrived at the doorstep during his prep year.
Gousett has emerged as a catch-and-dunk threat who continues to develop a low post scoring arsenal. He posted several double doubles this past season and the France native is deceptively athletic and mobile at his size.
His stock will improve as he continues to make conditioning a livelihood and uses his long arms to block and alter the trajectory of shots. He had several noteworthy performances where he blossomed as a one dribble, rim attacking scoring threat. How consistent he becomes and his development of a killer instinct will determine how he fares at the next level.
David Hermes, CPCA–The 6-foot-10 knockdown shooter ramped up his scoring load this season, coming up with several 20+ point games while playing on an uber competitive SIAA Florida and Grind Session slate. Hermes brings versatility, a headiness in being able to pick his spots, and is beginning to improve with his toughness and activeness on the glass. He has the look of a skilled stretch four at the next level.
Charlie Randall, Berkshire Prep–A product of Mamaroneck High (NY), Randall has improved incrementally in all facets of his game as a skilled 7-footer. He’s an all around scorer who can step out and hit the 18-20 footer and put the ball on the deck a bit. He’s developed a hustle heavy mentality and added some grit to his game. After recently garnering offers from William & Mary and Albany, Randall has the chance to reel in more offers with an additional year to develop with the prep process.
Kobe Gibbs, CPCA–The 6-foot-7 skyriser finishes in ways only rarefied athletes are capable of. A high end athlete with open court finishing and some burst to him, Gibbs transitioned from being a role player (on a West Oaks team featuring Selton Miguel and Jadrian Bam Tracey) to a focal point in his prep year.
Rodney Sawyer, Rocktop Academy–The 6-foot-8 forward has an engine and naturally athletic ability, two bedrock assets which registered their presence during his lone year playing at the high school or prep level. Sawyer is a ball hawk defensively and uses his manchild hands to instigate turnovers, block shots, and carom rebounds. He’s able to get off the ground quickly and finish lob passes with his above the rim game.
Josh Thigpen, Hastings–The experienced and battle tested guard is an all around scorer who is thrust into a prominent role under head coach Bob Delle Bovi this season. Thigpen was named MVP of Hastings’ 2020 Sectional title game and has an instinctive scoring style that enables him to attack the rim and manufacture points in a variety of ways. He’s been a reliable shooter since his freshman season, when he hit five 3-pointers in one quarter against Briarcliff.
Trevor Dyson, PHS–The well built guard brings toughness, athleticism, and consistent scoring with his knack for hitting 3-pointers in succession. Dyson displayed his ability to finish above the rim and attack the glass this weekend, as he’s a gritty rebounder as a 6-foot-4 guard/wing.
With the length and wingspan which transfers to the next level, Dyson has microwave scoring capabilities. He proved this during the Top Prospect Showcase in Tampa last year, shooting 4-for-4 from 3-point range in under four minutes during one stretch of the game.
Dyson is a key figure in a Big 3 that includes scoring and playmaking guard Dominic Gooden of Oldsmar Christian and Trent Scott, a high IQ and high scoring point guard. This troika brings immeasurable intangibles with toughness, consistency, and the will to win. College coaches may tend to say they want a “dog.” Gooden, Scott, and Dyson all meet this description with their sustained relentlessness and style of play.
Idell Walton, PHS–The 6-foot-7 Class of 2022 prospect is an enrgizer high level athlete who gets above the rim.
Very workmanlike in his approach, Walton is scorer and rebounder who knows how to turn in big plays that have a lasting impact on the game. He has been likened to Kenneth Faried for his style and high octane, hustle heavy approach.
Nick Cassano, PHS–With his length and passing ability at 6-foot-6, the Class of 2023 Cassano has a unique skill set in his ability to play and guard multiple positions.
He’s active on the glass and with his ability to finish through contact, manufacturing points and finishing traditional 3-point plays. With a deft shooting stroke and the ability to play the angles well and make heads up plays, Cassano brings polish and a hustle heavy game that is sound in all components.
